Navy looking for sailors to become Recruit Division Commanders

Top-quality enlisted personnel asked to consider RDC for next shore duty

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Navy announced Thursday it is soliciting sailors for a job that requires strong character and personal integrity, but is well worth the hard work. In a message from the Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Robert P. Burke, he said the Navy wants eligible sailors to become Recruit Division Commanders. 

Burke is calling on Navy leadership to canvass their top-quality enlisted personnel and encourage them to consider RDC as their next shore duty choice. While it's not an easy job -- requiring long hours and physically challenging work -- Burke says the personal reward of training and preparing sailors for the Fleet is unmatched.

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"A strong and resilient Navy is built on the leadership put in place to develop our force. The Navy's accessions training at Officer Training Command Newport and Recruit Training Command are our starting points for turning civilians into Sailors by instilling the Navy's Core Values. The leaders that provide this initial training are the Recruit Division Commanders," Burke said in the message.

Serving as an RDC results not only in growth as a leader, increased career advancement opportunities, and a feeling of self-fulfillment, but it also includes the following benefits:

  • $450 per month Special Duty Assignment Pay
  • Additional annual clothing allowance of $220
  • Opportunity to earn a Master Training Specialist Qualification
  • In line with the American Council on Education evaluation, RDCs may earn up to 15 college credits (both upper and lower credits) towards a bachelor's degree, and choice of follow-on coast assignment

Training to be an RDC begins at RDC "C" school. Candidates must have passed the most recent physical fitness assessment, including the run. No optional cardiorespiratory event may be substituted. RDCs at OTC are E-7 and above, and RDCs at RTC are E-5 and above.

The RDC duty at OTC and RTC each has its own unique challenges. However, with the significant numbers of RDCs needed at RTC, PERS-4 has instituted an additional sea duty credit incentive for RDCs reporting to RTC on/after Oct. 1, 2016, and who complete a 36-month RDC tour.

Interested sailors must submit an Enlisted Personnel Action Request (NAVPERS 1306/7) requesting duty as an RDC to the appropriate rating detailer. Reference (a) contains all screening requirements and instructions for waiver submissions. All commanding officers with interested Sailors must ensure packages for prospective RDC candidates are screened thoroughly.

Screening packages can be emailed, faxed or mailed:

  • Email to: michael.d.campbell3@navy.mil 
  • Fax to: (901) 874-2646/DSN 882
  • Mail to: Commander, Navy Personnel Command, PERS 4010, 5720 Integrity Drive, Millington, TN 38055-4000

Additional information can be found on the NPC website here.